Everyone Is Sleeping On This Underrated Samurai Game

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Samurai games are consistently popular, but Ghost of Tsushima really raised the bar. Sucker Punch Productions not only created what many consider the best samurai game ever, but followed it up with another hit, Ghost of Yotei. However, a truly excellent samurai game released in between these two titles didn’t get the attention it deserved. While it did receive some criticism, its strengths were often overlooked. I believe this game would have been much better received if it hadn’t been constantly compared to Sucker Punch’s masterpieces, and it absolutely deserved more praise.

As a fan, it’s a little frustrating to see Rise of the Ronin get lost in the shuffle. It feels like bad timing and a few mistakes really hurt it. Everyone was already so hyped for Ghost of Yotei, and honestly, a lot of us thought Team Ninja’s take on the samurai world wasn’t quite as polished as Ghost of Tsushima. But the biggest issue, for me and a lot of other players, was the graphics. They just didn’t feel up to par with what we expect from games these days. It all added up, and I think a lot of people missed out on what could have been a really great game.

Why Rise Of The Ronin Stands Out

When it shines, Rise of the Ronin feels like the peak of Team Ninja’s years of experience in creating exciting combat. The game’s stances, well-timed defenses, and challenging enemies encourage players to improve their skills, rather than simply waiting for openings. Unlike many open-world games that simplify combat, Rise of the Ronin keeps it demanding and engaging, like a traditional action game. Each fight is a true test of ability, and mastering the game’s combat system is incredibly rewarding.

The game has a surprisingly realistic and down-to-earth feel. It’s set in Japan’s Bakumatsu period, a time of great political and social unrest, and it doesn’t shy away from difficult moral choices. You play as a wandering samurai, not a hero chosen to save the world, and must navigate a chaotic landscape, form alliances, and deal with the results of your actions. Though the game features exciting and visually striking battles, it avoids glorifying the past. The world feels authentic, fragile, and populated by relatable people.

What really sets this game apart is how much freedom you have in making choices. The different groups aren’t simply ‘good’ or ‘bad,’ and your decisions have real consequences, both in the game’s world and for your character. This makes the historical setting feel more authentic and gives the story a depth that’s rare in action RPGs – it’s surprisingly impactful for a game made by Team Ninja. Thankfully, this focus on story doesn’t come at the expense of the excellent combat the studio is known for.

Admittedly, Rise Of The Ronin Isn’t Perfect

While Rise of the Ronin has many good qualities, it didn’t appeal to a wide range of players, and some of the criticism it received was justified. The game’s open world is beautifully designed, but it doesn’t always feel consistent. Some areas look too similar, and the world doesn’t always tell a story through its environments. Players hoping for constant action sometimes found the game’s pace to be slow or unpredictable, with exciting moments interspersed with slower sections.

The game didn’t get a great start because of technical problems. Frame rate drops and other glitches distracted players from the complex and satisfying combat system. While the developers fixed these issues with updates, the initial negative reviews had already impacted its reputation, and many players didn’t give the game a second chance.

The game’s reception was also hurt by player expectations. Rise of the Ronin launched at a time when Ghost of Tsushima, a visually stunning samurai game, was still very popular, and many players anticipated a similar experience. With Ghost of Yotei also on the way, Rise of the Ronin found itself in a difficult position. Critics pointed out that the game was being judged for not being something it hadn’t even attempted to be. Ultimately, it didn’t meet player expectations, and that negatively impacted its success.

Rise Of The Ronin Deserves Another Chance After Yotei

It’s natural to compare Rise of the Ronin to games like Ghost of Tsushima and Ghost of Yotei, which are known for their stunning visuals, compelling stories, and easy-to-learn combat. Those games aim to make players feel like they’re in a samurai movie, while Rise of the Ronin focuses on the struggle to survive a turbulent period in history. While both games share some similarities, they offer different experiences.

While Ghost of Yotei shines with its beautiful presentation and ease of play, Rise of the Ronin stands out with its complex systems and the impact of your choices. Ronin‘s combat is more challenging and allows for greater player expression. Your decisions have more meaningful consequences, both in gameplay and the story. Though Ronin isn’t as polished as Ghost of Yotei, it feels more uniquely personal. Ghost of Yotei offered a grand spectacle, while Rise of the Ronin built a constant sense of tension. Ghost of Yotei follows a straightforward story, whereas Ronin lets you forge your own adventure in an open world. Both games took different approaches, but only one received widespread praise.

Now is a good time to revisit Rise of the Ronin. The game has improved thanks to updates from the developers, Team Ninja. If you’re looking for a challenging samurai experience that also explores historical themes in a thoughtful way, this game delivers. While not flawless, it’s an ambitious and satisfying game that showcases Team Ninja’s talent beyond the Ninja Gaiden series.

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2025-12-30 22:42